the Best of Chatham & Madison

the Best of Chatham & Madison

11 Oct, 2017

morris county’s town power twins shine

by Laura D.C. Kolnoski • photos by robert nuzzie

With two colleges, plenty of history, and ambience to spare, the adjacent Morris County towns of Chatham and Madison sit at the foot of the Watchung Mountains near the Short Hills Mall. Madison, which was named for President James Madison, is known as “The Rose City” because of its prominence in the rose-growing industry during the 1800s. Chatham means “village of cottages.” Its current Main Street was, at one time, the Minisink Trail, forged by Lenni-Lenape Indians. Today, with restaurants, shops, parks, and plenty of recreation, there’s lots to discover—and even more to enjoy.

Things To Do

Let’s Go

BOTTLE HILL DAY – Madison’s 30-year-old annual family street festival takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, in the downtown district, with a car show, rides, amusements, vendors, food, a beer garden, and four stages with live entertainment. It’s named for the borough’s original 1715 village, called “Bottle Hill.” 973.593.3042; rosenet.org/1005/Bottle-Hill-Day

CHATHAM FARMERs’ MARKET
Rain or shine, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through November 18 at Railroad Plaza off of Fairmount Avenue. chathamborough.org

FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY – Set on the lush grounds of a Gilded Age estate straddling the boundary of Madison and Florham Park, FDU, the largest private university in the state, was founded in 1942. This fall’s Speaker Series, open to the public and held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, features, among others, former British Prime Minister David Cameron, writer/legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, and journalist/author Cokie Roberts. Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to speak in April 2018. 888.696.5722; NJSpeakerSeries.org

F.M. KIRBY SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY
Located on the Drew University campus, this acclaimed professional performing arts institution has indoor and outdoor (seasonal) stages and offers educational programming. Shakespeare in Love begins October 11, followed by It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on November 30. 36 Madison Ave., Madison; 973.408.5600; shakespearenj.org

MADISON FARMERs’ MARKET
Celebrating its 25th season, the market is open 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays through October 26. Central Avenue between Main Street and Cook Avenue, Madison; rosenet.org/380/Madison-Farmers-Market

MADISON WALKING TOUR
Using a detailed brochure accessible online from the local Historical Preservation Commission, visitors can follow a map to discover historic sites, points of interest, and local landmarks. 973.593.3038; rosenet.org/DocumentCenter/View/1909

ROSEDALE SKATING RINK
This large public rink, adjacent to the Madison Community Pool at Memorial Park, is open seasonally. 105 Rosedale Ave., Madison; rosenet.org/778/Rosedale-Skating-Rink

THE GRAVITY VAULT
An indoor rock climbing gym for young and old, novice to expert, with a variety of features. Available for parties. 40 Watchung Ave., Chatham; 973.701.7625; gravityvault.com

THE GREAT SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
This 8,000-acre refuge in nearby Basking Ridge, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has wilderness, trails, and
varied habitats. It’s a haven for flora and fauna, including more than 244 species of birds. The site was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966. 241 Pleasant Plains Road, Basking Ridge; 973.425.1222; fws.gov/northeast/greatswamp

McCOOL’S ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT PARLOR
With a Best of Jersey Milk Shake award and a prime location, this is the place for custom ice cream cakes and smoothies; there’s also a coffee bar. A second location is in Summit. 26 Main St., Madison; 973.301.0303, mccoolsicecream.net

MITSUBA JAPANESE CUISINE
BYOB restaurant with a sushi bar and an extensive menu of fresh dishes. 237 Main St., Chatham; 973.635.3888; mitsubachatham.com

NAUTILUS DINER – Delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night options served with style for more than 50 years. 97 Main St., Madison; 973.377.8484; madisonnautilusdiner.com

RIVER GRILLE – This family friendly venue combines a horseshoe bar and elevated American pub food with live music, plus 10 wing flavors. 34 River Rd., Chatham; 973.701.1125; chathamrivergrille.com

SCALINI FEDELI – Located in a 260-year-old farmhouse, Chef Michael Cetrulo’s Zagat-rated New Jersey location features modern Italian cuisine with a French flair. The original location is in Tribeca, in New York City. 3 Main St., Chatham; 973.701.9200; scalinifedeli.com

SHANGHAI JAZZ RESTAURANT & BAR – This special spot, celebrating both American jazz and Asian-inspired cuisine, was named “One of the Top 100 Great Jazz Clubs in the World.” Featuring live music six nights a week. 24 Main St., Madison; 973.822.2899; shanghaijazz.com

MADISON HOTEL – This historic property, which is home to both Rod’s Steakhouse and the Red Dog Tavern, offers classic style and modern amenities, including a fitness center and an indoor pool. 1 Convent Rd.,Morristown; 973.285.1800; themadisonhotel.com

THE SUMMIT DEBARY INN
This charming boutique hotel, set in a remodeled Victorian home, offers a range of accommodations, from rooms to
suites, with some including fireplaces. Just one mile from the Short Hills Mall. 265 Springfield Ave., Summit; 908.277.0005; thedebaryinn.com